Azerbaijan launches new Ganja–Gabala rail route Photo / Map

A new passenger rail service linking western and north-western Azerbaijan is set to begin next week, the country’s state rail operator has announced.

Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), part of the AZCON holding, said regular passenger trains will start running on the Ganja–Gabala–Ganja route from January 12, 2026, Caliber.Az reports.

According to ADY, the new service is intended to improve transport accessibility in the regions, strengthen interregional links and increase passenger mobility.

The route will be served by modern electric trains with seated accommodation. Trains will depart Ganja at 10:10 each day and arrive in Gabala after 1 hour and 50 minutes. Return services will leave Gabala at 18:00.

The 139-kilometre line includes stops at Goran, Yevlakh, Laki and Agdash. Passengers will be able to choose between standard, standard+, business and first-class seating.

Ticket prices will start from 4.30 Azerbaijani manat (about $2.54) for the full journey between Ganja and Gabala, and 1.70 manat (around $1.00) for travel between Laki and Gabala.

Tickets will be available from January 5, 2026, via the official ADY website and the ADY Mobile app.

The Ganja–Gabala service will become Azerbaijan’s second intra-regional passenger rail route, following the Ganja–Mingachevir–Ganja line.

Officials say the new connection is expected to improve links between the country’s western and north-western regions and support the growth of domestic tourism.

By Aghakazim Guliyev